A MAN who threatened a Dudley security guard with a large kitchen knife because he suspected he had been trying to steal from a town centre store has been locked up for six months.

Convicted thief Reece Baggott was seen in the B & M store in the Trident Centre by the guard who thought he recognised him from CCTV footage of a theft on the premises two days earlier.

The 27 year old was asked to go to the office but he told the guard "I am not going in there" before revealing the knife and adding, "Give me my bag or I will stab you."

Police officers were called to the store but Baggott made good his escape only to be arrested two days later, Mr Geoffrey Dann prosecuting told Wolverhampton Crown Court.

Baggott - he had 34 previous convictions on his criminal record - admitted possessing a bladed article and he was told by Recorder Ruth he had to go into custody because it was his second offence in four years for carrying a knife

Mr Stephen Hamblett defending said Baggott was now determined to put his life back onto the rails and stay out of further trouble with police.

He said his time in prison while being held on remand since his arrest had been a wake-up call adding, "He says he cannot do it anymore. He wants to turn his back on crime and get a job."

Mr Dann said Baggott of Wilmore Road, Perry Barr maintained he had no recollection at all of threatening the Dudley security guard after his arrest.

He said Baggott now faced two charges of theft arising from the incident which were due to be heard by Magistrates on a future date.